Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Middle-Grade & Middle-School Time Travel


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Cover art for A TALE OF TIME CITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 21, 1987

"In all, a spirited, funny, and entertaining story."
Eleven-year-old Vivian, kidnapped to far-distant future Time City by mistake, proves to be one of the City's saviors. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DEVIL'S ARITHMETIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 1988

"A triumphantly moving book."
Yolen is the author of a hundred books, many of which have been praised for their originality, humor, or poetic vision, but this thoughtful, compelling novel is unique among them. Read full book review >
Cover art for SATCH AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2006

"Gutman has again crafted a delightful mix of humor, magic and history surrounded by the sheer joy of baseball. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Stosh is back in a new time-travel baseball adventure. Read full book review >
Cover art for GIDEON THE CUTPURSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2006

"While the kids' adjustment to their new time, if reluctant, is well-nigh miraculous in its ease, the story compensates with nonstop action, appealing secondary characters and healthy dollops of humor, all of which will have readers panting for the sequel. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A breathlessly paced adventure takes two modern kids back in time to England, 1763, where they must cope with such varied difficulties as 18th-century clothing and a host of implacable evildoers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOOK OF TIME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2007

"A light read, with glimpses into other times and places, with the promise of better to come. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Sam Faulkner's mother is dead, his father's been missing for two weeks, he's being threatened by a bully at school and he's just turned 14. Read full book review >
Cover art for STARCROSS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2007
by Philip Reeve, illustrated by David Wyatt

"Huzzah! (Fiction. 10-14)"
"[T]he British Empire," declares Mrs. Emily Mumby, ancient superhuman creator of the Solar System and Art and Myrtle's mum, "stands on the brink of an invasion by highly intelligent hats from the future!" Read full book review >
Cover art for FOUND
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 22, 2008

"Somewhat slow in this installment, but intriguing enough nonetheless to keep kids reading what promises to be an exciting trip through history. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Fans of Haddix's Shadow Children books will want to jump on this time-travel adventure, which kicks off yet another series. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TIME-TRAVELING FASHIONISTA
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2011
by Bianca Turetsky, illustrated by Sandra Suy

"Clothes, boys and adventure make for a quick series opener. (Fantasy. 11-15)"
Uncomfortable with her body and braces, seventh-grader Louise Lambert spends her time sketching outfits and daydreaming about the day when she'll be glamorous. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHRONAL ENGINE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 20, 2012
by Greg Leitich Smith, illustrated by Henry Blake

"Action and enthusiasm aplenty, but, like most time-travel tales, not much for internal logic. (recommended reading) (Science fiction. 10-12)"
A Back to the Future–style romp through time, though with more loose ends than a bowl of spaghetti. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOST IN PARIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
by Marissa Moss, illustrated by Marissa Moss

"A surprise ending will leave readers anticipating Mira's next mission as she follows her mother through time and history. (bibliography) (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Her mother's mysterious absence, a perplexing postcard and a unique family ability sends Mira on a race through time. Read full book review >